COVID-19 rates continue to rise in Wisconsin, and closer to home, infection rates continue to increase in Rock County. Blackhawk Technical College started planning for the pandemic in late-February and was quick to implement additional safety protocols. The College has been diligent in its efforts to keep its students and employees safe. Those efforts will be increased in the days ahead to include offering flu shot clinics for students and employees, steps to enhance safety at all locations, and implementing testing options at its Central Campus in Janesville.

I have some exciting updates to share with all of you regarding our COVID-19 response plan.  As you know, COVID-19 infection rates are increasing in Wisconsin at an alarming rate with large increases in Rock and Green Counties.  As expected, BTC continues to see increases in the number of COVID-19 related investigations since the Labor Day weekend.  We remain committed to taking an active role in keeping our community safe and our campuses open. 

Colony Brands Foundation of Monroe, Wisconsin presented Blackhawk Technical College officials with a $40,000 donation to the Fund for the Future of Agriculture. The fund created by Jim and Therese Gratz and Fran and Sandy Donny aims to provide scholarship and program funding for BTC agriculture programs. The goal of the initiative is to attract and retain young people to agricultural professions.

The Blackhawk Technical College Foundation was thrilled to welcome Dr. Gregg Dickinson to its board of directors in January of 2020. Gregg and his wife Helen were eager to lead by example and are funding two $2500 scholarships for Blackhawk students this year.

For many people, the idea of merely attending a funeral makes them uncomfortable, but a career in death care offers many opportunities. Blackhawk Technical College has joined with Milwaukee Area Technical College to prepare creative, passionate, service-oriented students for a career in funeral services. Students take their general education credits at Blackhawk and then transition to MATC for their core funeral service classes.